What method of teaching do Montessori schools use?

Can i use my time at a montessori school towards a state teaching certification?

• i'm considering taking a position as a spanish teacher at a montessori school (ages 3-6) and i wanted to know what that means for me in terms of working towards a teaching license. will schools see my work with montessori as a positive, or is it going to mean squat because it's not a traditional teaching method? could i shorten my time in a licensing program using my time and experience at montessori, or will i essentially be starting at square one no matter what?

• Answer:

  The state certification process requires a bacheors in education (elementary, math, English, etc for the area that you want to teach.) You will also need to pass the standardized test required for certification in your area, such as the Praxis. You experience will have no effect on the certification process. At the time of your enrollment, your college may examine the specific work that you did at the time . It is possible but not a certainty that they may excuse you from one or two classes because of practical experience. However I wouldn't count on it since most of your work would be preschool. You will get your best answer by just asking the admissions office at the bachelor degree granting college where you intend to study education. If it doesn't count toward reduced credits, it still could have benefit on your resume when you eventually get a public school job. Don't forget to ask for a letter of reference when you would leave the Montessori school since those who would know you might not still be there when you would ask in the future for a job reference.